Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC): An update on risk factors, surveillance, diagnosis and treatment strategies

Primary liver cancer is among the fastest-rising causes of cancer-related death in the UK, and the incidence in the UK has increased by almost 50% over the past decade. With increasing incidence of alcohol and metabolic-related liver disease, the rise in cases is expected to continue. While treatable and potentially curable in early stages, it often presents late, owing to the frequently silent nature of liver disease: it is thought that 50% of patients with HCC are unaware of their diagnosis. In the UK, risk of both developing of liver disease and of death from HCC is higher in areas of social deprivation. The recent publication of the NHS 10-year plan and its emphasis on tackling health inequality make this CME article particularly pertinent. With early detection of liver disease and HCC key for favourable outcomes, it is vital that healthcare professionals are aware of the aetiology and surveillance strategies for HCC to optimise liver disease, and to identify disease for curative treatment.